Readers React to SVSD's Car Key Security Proposal

One proposed way to improve security in Saucon Valley schools is to have all visitors leave their car keys at the school office when they sign in for a visit. Visitors would also need to show ID.

Additional school security measures that are now under review by the Saucon Valley School District have local residents talking, and most Patch readers had positive things to say about the proposals when asked on our Facebook page. The measures were discussed at a Feb. 26 school board meeting, and according to a Morning Call article published Feb. 27 the proposals include: The rationale for the car key proposal is that it could help prevent a rapid getaway in the event that a visitor committed a crime on school grounds. Earlier this year, a proposal to hire an armed security guard to patrol the school district campus in Lower Saucon Township drew mixed reviews, in part because of an estimated price tag of more than $180,000. When asked …

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Armed Guards in Saucon Schools Opposed by Resident

In a recent letter to the editor, Hellertown resident Dennis Scholl said he opposes a Saucon Valley School District proposal to consider hiring an armed security officer.

POLL: Should Saucon Hire an Armed Guard?

In the wake of recent school shootings, should the Saucon Valley School District hire an armed officer to help keep students safe?

Further reading: Let Teachers Carry Guns, Say 2 Pa. Lawmakers Armed Guard in Schools is a Bad Idea [Letter] NRA Says Saucon Valley School Should Have Armed Guards NRA: Put Armed Security in Every School Now

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Letters to the Editor

Armed Guard in Schools is a Bad Idea [Letter]

Hellertown resident Dennis Scholl says he opposes a Saucon Valley School District proposal to spend more than $125,000 on hiring an armed officer as a school security measure.

To the Editor, I read today ("Saucon Valley to Consider Placing Armed Officer on Campus," The Morning Call, Feb. 13, 2013) that Saucon Valley School District is contemplating the addition of an armed guard at its Polk Valley Road campus. The officer would cost the district $126,000, according to school board member, Ralph Puerta. An additional $3,100 would be required to install a new lock system and surveillance cameras at school entrances. Another $17,000 would be required to install bollards at entrances, to prevent forcible vehicular entry into the schools. These security measures will be considered as the board weighs the 2013-2014 budget. Total expenditure on the three security items is $146,100. I'd like to go on public record (and …

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Parents Invited to Take School Security Survey

In the wake of the Dec. 14 Newtown, Connecticut school shooting, the Saucon Valley School District has asked the parents and guardians of students to take a security survey.

After what happened in Newtown, Connecticut on Dec. 14, school security concerns have been a major subject of discussion, both nationally and locally. The Saucon Valley School District has been part of the discussion, and now it has invited parents and guardians of school students to participate in a survey about ways in which the district could potentially improve its security measures. The online survey lists a handful of ideas for improving school security, such as: The survey form also includes a box in which individuals can share additional thoughts or concerns about school security. Do you believe local schools have adequate security? Share your thoughts about issues and ideas for improving security at Saucon Valley schools by …

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Chief: Police Presence at Schools Was Precautionary

Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council Monday that a police presence observed at some local schools following Friday's Connecticut school shooting was not meant to cause alarm.

The police presence that some families may have observed Monday at local schools such as St. Theresa School, Red Door Early Learning Center and the Saucon Valley School District campus wasn't meant to cause alarm, Hellertown Police Chief Robert Shupp told Borough Council Monday. Shupp said his department wanted to help make parents, students and staff "feel a little bit safer" in the wake of the tragic and deadly shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., Friday. "It’s just simply that. It’s more of a presence in light of what happened," Shupp stressed, adding that there had been no specific threats regarding local schools. At the start of Monday's council meeting, councilwoman Gail Nolf led attendees in observing a moment…

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Letters to the Editor

Letter to the Editor: School's Purse Policy Will Hurt Girls

Local resident Susan Yale says a new rule that will prohibit Saucon Valley High School students from carrying purses throughout the day is a mistake.

Dear Editor, Upon reading my child’s Saucon Valley High School “Welcome Back” letter we became aware of a new policy this year. Bags/purses will not be allowed to be carried during the school day. They must remain in lockers. Needless to say, my daughter, who is a senior this year, is quite upset, as well as her friends. Unsure of why the new policy was being invoked, I contacted High School Vice Principal Lorie Gamble for answers. I will quote her response to me as to the reason for the change: “We have to also worry about such items ranging from unpermitted food and drink...to use/possession of tobacco products/paraphernalia, weapons, illegal substances/paraphernalia, etc....all of which can easily be transported throughout the day via …

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Paula

7:34 pm on Wednesday, August 31, 2011

If the bus "crashes" the area is no less icy at the new stop. If the children are placed infront of a predator (if I explained to them or not) the situation at hand....how again is this going to prevent the predator from "checking out" my little girls? You sound so unrealistic in this situation. Think about it A SEXUAL PREDATOR watching your kids because the bus stop was moved outside his front …   more ›